Gary Oldman Says the Next James Bond Has Already Been Chosen

Gary Oldman says the race to become the next James Bond is already over, even though the producers have not revealed their choice.

Speaking to Canada’s The Morning Show, the Oscar-winning actor said the decision had been made and that audiences would learn the identity of the next 007 soon. Oldman, who co-stars with Jack Lowden in Slow Horses, made no secret of his preference.

“There are rumors that Lowden is on the list of candidates. We’ll find out soon, won’t we? Because they’ve made their choice. They’ve decided, they just haven’t announced it yet. So I hope it’s Jack,” Oldman said.

“

There are rumors that Lowden is on the list of candidates. We’ll find out soon, won’t we? Because they’ve made their choice. They’ve decided, they just haven’t announced it yet. So I hope it’s Jack.

Speculation over Daniel Craig’s successor has circulated for years and has intensified as the next Bond film is expected to enter production in the new year. Actors mentioned as possible candidates include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson and Lowden. Variety has also reported interest in Louis Partridge, while actor Tom Francis was reportedly among those who auditioned.

Amazon MGM, which is handling the next film, has declined to comment on who has been considered or ruled out. Denis Villeneuve will direct, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay.

Last month, Lowden’s wife, Saoirse Ronan, said she would like to appear in the film as a villain. She said a young female antagonist could direct accumulated anger toward a dramatic purpose and offer something interesting for girls and women to watch.

“

I think it would be really interesting to have a young woman. Especially for girls and women, seeing someone who can take all that accumulated anger and direct it somewhere is interesting from a dramatic standpoint. I’d really love to do something like that.